Many a summer past we have lost our well for a day or two, here and there, just at the peek of the dry season. This year it’s been a full 3 and a half weeks since we’ve had a regular source of readily available fresh water. Maddening I tell you.

Meanwhile we’ve all been succumbing to a bit of building induced insanity. Perhaps it’s actually the result of mass dehydration? Whatever the cause, the last couple of weeks have been brutal. At the end of the day I find myself sitting and staring, unable to do or create anything of use. I’ve simply been too spent, emotionally, physically, and mentally to even kindle a creative impulse. Even this blog which I usually find to be such a comfort in times of turmoil, was quite frankly, just too much trouble. I’m dead center in about a dozen projects right now, none of which I have laid hands on in ages.

Ah, but the last week a cool wind has been blowing, reminding me that Autumn is alarmingly eminent. Little boys are in need of little clothes and blankets and holiday gifts and all of the many crafty things that this season brings.

I have been meditating and praying a lot, looking for the grace and strength to get me through these emotional days/weeks/months. Life right now involves too much stress and absolutely no time for release. So I have to build it into my day. Carry it within my being so that I can hold a space for my children where they can feel relaxed and content and comforted. This is not a concept that I’m able to easily apply. It takes me a good deal of effort, but I am trying to focus and work hard at it every day.

And I’ve chosen at least one project to pick back up. To date I’ve cut 70 some pieces for Elijah’s quilt. The act itself is nothing spectacular, but the fact that I was able to do it while remaining focused, calm, and fully attentive is, I feel, a sign of growth.